PhrasesHub

An ill wind

    Definitions

      • negative events or circumstances
        To describe a series of unfortunate or unpleasant events or circumstances that are occurring or have occurred

      • bad luck or misfortune
        To suggest that someone is experiencing a streak of bad luck or misfortune

    Examples of An ill wind

    • An ill wind blows nobody any good.

      This idiom means that a negative or unfavorable situation has unintended negative consequences for everyone involved. For example, if a company lays off a large number of employees due to financial difficulties, it may seem like a good decision for the company's bottom line, but it can have negative consequences for the remaining employees, who may have to take on more work or face reduced benefits. It can also have negative consequences for the community, as the laid-off employees may have less money to spend in local businesses.

    • The storm brought an ill wind that damaged many of the trees in the area.

      In this example, the idiom is being used to describe the negative effects of the wind that accompanied the storm. The wind may have been strong enough to uproot trees or break branches, causing damage to the trees and potentially making them more susceptible to disease or pests.

    • The news of the company's bankruptcy was an ill wind for many of its suppliers.

      Here, the idiom is being used to describe the negative effects of the company's bankruptcy on its suppliers. The suppliers may have had outstanding invoices that will now go unpaid, or they may have to find new customers to replace the business they were doing with the bankrupt company.

    • The political scandal was an ill wind for the reputation of the entire government.

      In this example, the idiom is being used to describe the negative effects of the scandal on the government as a whole. The scandal may have damaged the public's trust in the government, making it more difficult for the government to pass legislation or make decisions that are in the best interests of the country.

    • The decision to close the factory was an ill wind for the local economy.

      Here, the idiom is being used to describe the negative effects of the factory closure on the local economy. The closure may have resulted in job losses, reduced tax revenue for the local government, and a decrease in spending by the former employees and their families. It may also have had a ripple effect on other businesses in the area, as they may have relied on the factory's employees as customers.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "an ill wind blows" is used to convey the idea of negative events or circumstances. It can be used to describe a series of unfortunate events or to suggest that someone is experiencing bad luck or misfortune.

    In both cases, the idiom carries a sense of foreboding or a warning that things are not going well. It can also be used to express sympathy towards someone who is facing a difficult situation.

    Origin of "An ill wind"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the 16th century. It was first used in William Shakespeare's play, "King Lear". In Act 4, Scene 6, the character Edgar says, "The worst is not, so long as we can say, 'This is the worst.''' This was later paraphrased to "an ill wind blows" in the 19th century, which is the form we use today.

    The phrase is believed to have originated from the superstition that a strong wind could bring bad luck or misfortune. It was also used in nautical terms to describe a stormy or unfavorable wind that made sailing difficult. Over time, the idiom has evolved to also encompass any kind of negative events or circumstances, not just related to wind.

    In conclusion, the idiom "an ill wind blows" has its roots in both superstition and nautical language. It has evolved to become a common phrase used to describe negative events or circumstances, and carries a sense of foreboding or warning.